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KEF and Paradigm

Anyone want to help a fellow audiophile decide among speakers?   I've been listening to many and narrowed it down to the Paradigm Persona 5 and KEF Reference 3.  I would consider the Reference 5 but can't find it anywhere.  While there are many things I like about the Persona, I'm also kind of knocked out by the wide and holographic sound of the KEFs  (a salesman also is urging me to hear the Ryan Tempess iii before choosing--and there's the new Magico due shortly--although I heard the Magico S1 and wasn't that impressed--I know the upcoming model will have lower bass extension at a lesser price).  My amplifier is 130 watts/channel and the room is fairly large (29x17).  I'm really  leaning toward the KEFs. I totally understand that no one else can decide for me but before I pull the trigger I would appreciate input on this board.  I've read so many good things about the Personas and listened to them several times but keep returning to the KEFs. Of course listening in a store isn't the same as living with them over time. Would I regret the KEFs over the long term?
fast
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dbphd
1,058 posts
 
An update to my 12/30/17 post: I'm using an Ayre DX-5 DSD as a source through a Bryston SP3 to JC-1 monoblocks driving the Reference 107/2s with excellent result.  Roon sends files from my iMac to its USB port.

I hope to hear Blade 2s soon and will audition a revised version of the Wilson Watt/Puppy that in the same price range locally, but it's not for nothing John Atkinson and Tom Norton were so enamored with the 107/2s. 

db
schubert
4,867 posts
 

fast, No I haven't . About the only thing I won't buy from China are speakers. The Canadian Totems do very well on the classical music
I listen to .
tutetibiimperes
202 posts
 
I haven't heard the KEFs, but the Paradigm Persona Bs are hands down the best speakers I've ever heard, I imagine the bigger ones are even better.  
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
1,076 posts
 
For anyone in the Boston area interested in Paradigm,   Q Audio in Cambridge has them on display.... they are impressive and beautifully finished.    I was checking them out last week.  I was auditioning headphones but those Personas caught my eye..... Didnt audition them per se, but they sounded nice and the fit and finish is incredible.
fritzjurg
7 posts
 
I bought the Kef Reference 1 and am thoroughly enjoying them - using Rotel RAP 1850 AVR.  Almost went with the Paradigm Persona (likely 3).  Now I'm researching which additional power amp to add.  A Kef rep who used to sell B&W (& very familiar with Rotel) mentioned stick with the Rotel power amp.  Millennium System Design (Orlando Kef Authorized dealer), recommended a Parasound A21. MSD also has a Blade 2 to demo and added power is from Parasound JC1 - Sounded so beautiful!!
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